Ways to Travel
Firefighters on beach vacation save couple from rip currents
MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. (WAFF/Gray News) – Three firefighters from Alabama who were on vacation ended up being in the right place at the right time.
Muscle Shoals Fire Chief John Hyde said for years he has been going on vacation with his two coworkers, firefighter Kyle Taylor and training officer Lt. Ryan Andrews.
On Sunday, the firefighters were on the beach in Panama City when they heard cries for help.
Kristen and Michael Brannon, a couple who lives in the area and visits the beach weekly, were caught up in rip currents.
“I flipped over to my back to float, to rest and honestly pray because I was already so tired,” Kristen Brannon said. “I don’t know when I made the decision to yell for help. It just kind of happened. I started yelling for help, and I heard my three angels.”
Hyde, Taylor and Andrews immediately jumped into action.
Hyde grabbed another swimmer’s boogie board and swam to grab both Kristen and Michael Brannon. He said he does not have swift water training, but Andrews and Taylor do.
The firefighters brought the couple back to shore safely.
“I truly believe had they not intervened, I would not be on the phone with you right now,” Kristen Brannon told WAFF.
Hyde said it was a team effort. He said he works with a great group of firefighters at the Muscle Shoals Fire Department.
“Our whole surrounding area of first responders and firefighters, police department, everybody,” Hyde said. “We’re such a small community around here that everyone doesn’t even think, they just act. They do their job. They do as they’re supposed to, because a majority of us are called to this because it’s our calling, not just a paycheck.”
Kristen Brannon said she wants to thank her “three angels” for risking their lives, but she also wants to remind people that even if you know what to do in these situations, rip currents are very dangerous.
Brannon said as frequent beachgoers, even though she and her husband knew what to do, it just did not work in this situation and almost cost them their lives.
Copyright 2025 WAFF via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
A little-known peninsula, Río de Oro is flanked by Atlantic swells and a tranquil lagoon
It’s interesting what you notice when arriving at a destination by road – particularly the sand dune-flanked single carriageway that welcomes you onto the Río de Oro peninsula. For me it was the raw beauty. The sense of space and remoteness. The simplicity of the colours: cobalt blue sky, grey-tarred road, soothing beige sand.
This 25 mile-long peninsula is home to the Saharan city of Dakhla, long stretches of wild coast, empty beaches and an ocean lagoon.
It’s situated in Western Sahara, which the UN refers to as a “non-self governing territory”. Its status is disputed between Morocco and a local independence movement – but despite its ambiguous political status, the peninsula is not considered unsafe (check Foreign Office advice and coverage with your insurance provider).
It’s also easier to get to from Europe, with Ryanair recently launching direct flights from Madrid and Lanzarote.
On my first trip to the city – a four-day visit in 2023 – I flew from Agadir in Morocco, where I live. This time, though, I drove a 750-mile coastal route for a three-week stay.
A single road leads in and out of the peninsula and follows its eastern edge – the “inside”, from which Dakhla takes its name (dakhl meaning inside in Arabic). This “inside” is home to a shallow, tidal lagoon sheltered from the Atlantic swells that roll in on the west of the peninsula. It’s an otherworldly scene, often filled with colourful kites overhead, and sometimes flamingos. Traffic is minimal, unless you count the wild camels. On the southern tip is Dakhla, a city whose name is often used to refer to the whole peninsula.
Due to its natural shelter and consistent winds, the peninsula is popular for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and other wind-powered watersports. The climate is characterised by dryness, sunshine and wind, especially from May to September. Year-round, the Atlantic wind keeps it cooler than inland areas, with summer highs of around 27°C.
I’m not a kitesurfer, but I found other ways to experience the natural beauty, including a 4×4 tour to the White Dune. Arriving at low tide, we scrambled up, stopping to take in the lagoon views before sandboarding back down. I admired Dragon Island, a rocky isle that’s surrounded by the lagoon at high tide, from a distance – others kayak, sail and even swim to it.
Until recently, most tourists would stay at the camps dotting the lagoon shore, but there is a growing number of options in the city. The centre is a maze of construction, and is changing fast.
In the evenings, the dusty streets fill with an eclectic mix of Sahrawian women in lightweight melfha fabrics and men in blue Touareg robes, foreign businessmen and kitesurfers in sunglasses.
The sun, wind and activity left me with quite an appetite, which was fortunate, given Dakhla’s a paradise for fresh fish and seafood. One highlight was Tahla Mar, an oyster farm and seafood restaurant on the edge of the lagoon. In town, Le Marin Pêcheur, serves juicy king prawns, while Gladys, run by women who remembered me on each visit, offers great-value dishes (tagine was £4).
Days were spent walking my dog along the beaches and writing in cafes like Le Passage and Marh Coffee Roasters. At the small souk, which mostly caters to residents, I picked up Saharan tea and fabrics.
Back on the highway, I was grateful for having visited a place in its rawness, before the crowds arrive.
How to do it
Royal Air Maroc flies Gatwick to Dakhla via Casablanca; Air Arabia flies from Agadir or Casablanca; Ryanair flies from Madrid and Lanzarote. Hotel Fyndy has doubles from £25, B&B. Kite House has B&B doubles from £70. Lagon Energy has full-board rooms from £110pp. visitmorocco.com/en/travel/dakhla
Ways to Travel
Eddie Bauer Adventure Club, Launches A New Vacation Ownership Experience Combining Outdoor Adventure And Luxury Stay In Moab
Sunday, August 3, 2025
In a bold move set to reshape the vacation ownership landscape, Travel + Leisure Co. has partnered with Authentic Brands Group to launch the Eddie Bauer Adventure Club. This unique club blends vacation ownership with the growing demand for outdoor exploration. Set to debut in Moab, Utah, in early 2026, the resort will feature 39 luxurious one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites within a reimagined wing of the WorldMark Moab resort. The new adventure-focused club represents Travel + Leisure Co.’s strategic expansion into the adventure travel sector, creating a distinct opportunity for nature-loving travelers to immerse themselves in outdoor experiences while enjoying the comfort and benefits of vacation ownership.
The Launch of Eddie Bauer Adventure Club: A New Era in Vacation Ownership
Eddie Bauer, a brand synonymous with outdoor adventure and exploration, enters the vacation ownership industry for the first time through this exciting collaboration. Founded more than 100 years ago, Eddie Bauer has long been a pioneer in the outdoor space, inspiring countless adventurers to embrace the great outdoors with high-quality gear designed for performance and durability. This new chapter in the brand’s legacy builds on its commitment to outdoor experiences by introducing a vacation ownership opportunity that aligns with its ethos of adventure and connection to nature.
The Eddie Bauer Adventure Club offers a compelling alternative for today’s traveler, blending luxury accommodations with the thrill of outdoor exploration. As a member, owners will have exclusive access to curated outdoor experiences, from annual adventure excursions to curated recreation and nature-driven programs. In addition, owners will enjoy priority booking privileges at Eddie Bauer and WorldMark resorts, 50% discounts on Eddie Bauer retail purchases, and a subscription to authentic.com for two years.
This new offering complements Travel + Leisure Co.’s existing WorldMark by Wyndham product, providing a wider range of vacation options for travelers seeking to embrace nature-forward destinations. The company plans to expand this initiative to more locations in the future, creating additional resorts that focus on providing immersive outdoor experiences.
Exclusive Perks for Adventure Club Members
Eddie Bauer Adventure Club members will enjoy several exclusive benefits designed to enhance their experience. These include:
- Annual adventure excursions for two, giving members the opportunity to explore scenic landscapes and take part in guided outdoor activities.
- Curated on-site recreation and nature-driven programming, which will provide engaging activities for all ages and interests.
- Priority booking privileges across Eddie Bauer and WorldMark resorts, ensuring that members have the first pick for stays at some of the most popular vacation destinations.
- 50% off all Eddie Bauer retail purchases, allowing members to enjoy high-quality outdoor gear at a discounted price.
- A two-year subscription to authentic.com, offering access to exclusive content and promotions.
The club aims to foster a sense of community and connection among outdoor enthusiasts, creating a space where like-minded individuals can share experiences and build lasting memories.
A Growing Trend in Adventure Travel
The demand for outdoor experiences has skyrocketed in recent years, driven by a growing interest in nature-based travel and sustainable tourism. Adventure tourism has proven to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the global travel industry, with travelers increasingly seeking destinations that allow them to connect with nature while enjoying comfortable and unique accommodations.
The Eddie Bauer Adventure Club taps into this trend, offering a vacation ownership model that aligns with the values and desires of today’s adventure-seeking traveler. With its focus on nature-forward experiences and luxury accommodations, the club provides an innovative way for travelers to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the benefits of a premium vacation ownership product.
Travel + Leisure Co.’s Strategic Expansion
This launch represents a significant step in Travel + Leisure Co.’s ongoing efforts to diversify its brand portfolio. The company continues to expand its reach across multiple travel segments, tapping into high-growth areas such as adventure travel and sports-themed resorts. Following the success of its WorldMark by Wyndham product, the introduction of the Eddie Bauer Adventure Club demonstrates Travel + Leisure Co.’s commitment to evolving vacation ownership to meet the needs of a modern, active, and adventurous audience.
In addition to Eddie Bauer, the company is also preparing to launch its Sports Illustrated Resorts concept and has recently acquired the Accor Vacation Club, further enhancing its portfolio of vacation offerings. Travel + Leisure Co.’s strategic expansion includes plans for new resort locations in key markets that will cater to the increasing demand for immersive outdoor experiences.
Looking Ahead to Moab and Beyond
The debut resort in Moab, Utah, is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for Eddie Bauer Adventure Club members. The location was chosen for its breathtaking natural beauty and unparalleled outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. As one of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, Moab offers the perfect setting for the club’s first resort.
Looking ahead, Travel + Leisure Co. plans to expand the Eddie Bauer Adventure Club to other prime adventure destinations across the United States, offering members even more opportunities to connect with nature while enjoying the exclusive benefits that come with membership.
Conclusion
The Eddie Bauer Adventure Club is an innovative new addition to the vacation ownership landscape, providing a fresh and exciting way for travelers to experience the outdoors while enjoying luxurious accommodations and exclusive perks. With its focus on adventure and nature-driven experiences, the club is poised to appeal to a new generation of travelers who seek both adventure and comfort in their vacation experiences. As the first resort in Moab prepares for its 2026 debut, it’s clear that this new initiative will mark a transformative step in how vacation ownership integrates with the growing demand for outdoor exploration.
Travel + Leisure Co.’s partnership with Eddie Bauer to create this adventure-focused resort concept signals the company’s dedication to expanding its offerings in the adventure travel space. As this initiative continues to evolve, it will no doubt play a key role in shaping the future of vacation ownership and outdoor tourism.
This is summer here on the Island. A busy time of year for the tourist industry.
The Island is still a popular destination, despite the eye-watering price of the ferries.
The sea is bright with toys, gaudy swim rings and noodles, body boards, small inflatable boats and paddle boards.
All are available to buy at beachside shops and supermarkets. Just inflate and you’re ready for fun.
Sorry to bring a dampener on this happy scene, but just how many of us are aware of water safety?
Some of the main beaches offer lifeguard services during the holiday season, although the more remote areas often don’t.
Observing beach safety warnings such as the red flag system, advising when and where it is safe to swim, is common sense.
The warnings are there precisely because it is unsafe to swim. Rip tides, hidden rocks, deeply shelving beaches can easily turn a refreshing dip into a job for the emergency services.
Also, that time you spend in the local pool isn’t always a precursor to being confident in the sea.
Swimming in a pool is vastly different to swimming in the sea.
Anyone planning leisure time at the beach should be aware of some simple guidelines, especially if there are young kids involved; check the tide times, especially if rock pooling.
If out on lilos, paddleboards or similar, check the weather – a brisk wind could easily sweep a youngster out to sea.
A holiday is a great opportunity for us older folk to try our hand at paddleboarding or kayaking. It looks simple and makes for amusing selfies to show friends.
Take a lead from the more experienced at this sport; get yourself a lifejacket, or Personal Flotation Device – ‘just in case’. Learn the RNLI ‘Float To Live’ technique.
I don’t want to scaremonger or detract from having fun and relaxation.
However, no-one wants to be involved in or witness an accident on the water.
Many locals are respectful and aware of the power of the sea and its unpredictability. Smooth as glass one minute, choppy and wayward the next.
Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to live near the sea and therefore realise the strength and power it has.
Both the RNLI and the Independent Lifeboat services offer, for free, advice and safety checks on equipment such as lifejackets. They are there if you get into difficulties. Whatever the sea conditions, they are always on call 24/7.
However, we can help them by making sure we are as responsible as possible when in the water.
There is information available through websites, leaflets and the IW Council’s own page. It is up to the individual to access it.
How awful for a hard-earned holiday to end in disaster because basic safety measures were ignored.
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